Need Info on AK's

This is a discussion on Need Info on AK's within the Defensive Rifles & Shotgun Discussion forums, part of the Related Topics category; Next month I'm planning on going to the big 1000+ table gun show in No. Va.
I plan to pick up a AK 47 w/ ...

Price? I'd say $400-800 depending on what make/model of AK. Century sells the "famous" WASR AK which I have no experience with, but if you find one that has no flaws I can't see it being a problem, especially filling the most likely role of the occasional weekend plinker. I personally have a Century GP1975 which isn't produced anymore (I think they ran out of parts kits from the 1975 AK model they were using) and it's a decent shooter, I bought it used and replaced the extractor after having some FTE problems, still having an issue but I believe it's an alignment deal, I'm playing the parts replacement game right now.

There are plenty of manufacturers and like I said, if it's straight and true, it should shoot fine and last darn near forever if you maintain it. An AK is an AK, if you spend $1000 on a fancy Arsenal you'll just have an expensive AK. This is my opinion, built on the fact that AKs have a very loose parts tolerance so it's hard to expect super accuracy and the like out of them. Don't take this as bashing, because I love the AK platform as much as any other rifle, just don't expect a lot.

Well an AK is like anything else you get what you pay for. The cheaper rifles like WASR and the Century rifles if you know what to look for can be good deals but if you are not familiar with them they may have canted sights, bad barrels and so on.
These rifles will go from $350 on up. You did not mention what caliber you are looking for 5.45 is generally cheaper to shoot but most ammo is corrosive so you have to clean up everytime after firing. You can also run into barrels that are not true 5.45 and you have issues with the rounds keyholing and being innaccurate.

Next up would be Arsenal you cant go wrong. Fantastic guns in whatever model you get. They are true Russian AK's. One thing I will mention and if you already know this sorry not trying to be sarcastic or question your knowledge. You will generally find two types of AK's milled and stamped the difference being milled is literally milled from a single block of metal strong but heavy. Stamped is made from a flat sheet of sheet metal, folded and riveted. Lighter weight and so on. The AK saying is stamped receivers will last you a lifetime, milled receivers will last you two. I have never had any problems with stamped guns at all.

A word on stocks. Generally underfolders look cool, and store in tight spots but they are hard to get a cheekweld on them so they are harder to shoot accurately. The fixed stocks are great but some find them to short all depends on your body sized and preference. I have my rifles built but that can get expensive. The best of the AK folders are the AK 100 Russian sidefolders. They fold to the side for ease in vehicles or tight spaces but when open and locked in you can not tell the difference from a fixed stock gun they lock up that tight.

Arsenal offers all of this in their guns. All calibers, stocks and so on. Give me a shout if you like and will help if I can.

First choose a caliber. Choose what stock you want. Then start looking.

"A first rate man with a third rate gun is far better than the other way around". The gun is a tool, you are the craftsman that makes it work. There are those who say "if I had to do it, I could" yet they never go out and train to do it. Don't let stupid be your mindset. Harryball 2013

Heck I have a few including one CHEAP made in china one that cheap peace of junk will shoot a 75 round drum till empty and anything else I feed it.
The wood was CHEAP but replaced it anyway years ago.
Depends what you want it for if you looking for low cost and something to take out back and have fun with most are ok
The only real reason we bought these thing is it use to be cheap to shoot but that not so true anymore.

I have a Romanian WASR-10 and it has been trouble-free so far. I see them at gun shows for around $450 generally. Inspect it and make sure the front sight and gas block are straight; as long as they are you should be good to go. Wood looks like crap and it has tooling marks all over it, but I love it and it hasn't failed me yet. Some of the newer ones I've seen have better looking metal too (fewer tool marks). Supposedly the best ones are Bulgarian builds, but I haven't shot one so I can't say first-hand.

I like the Norinco (Chinese) Don't worry about the wood I think all of the wood looks bad (on AKs)
I see the ammo prices falling a bit. Not as cheap as a few years ago but coming down some.
We like the AKs in the winter because we don't keep the casings. We let them go into the snow ( just like 22 LR).

As I've said before... WASR's are reliable and accurate if you get a good one. Look for all the well publicised faults such as bent gas piston, canted gas tube and canted sights. Look for one with a triangle with a lightning bolt on the front trunion. If everything is correct you'll be good to go. Oh and check for mag wobble. I bought a WASR underfolder last year and it has been extremely reliable. If I had it to do over again (and I will after income tax ) I will get the fixed stock. Like tacman said "the underfolders look cool" but they dang uncomfortable to shoot. Hope this helps.

Ok someone else started this thread and I don't mean to highjack, but since the talk is AK's I have a few questions. I got a MAK 90 in a trade and really like how it shoots, but the thumbhole stock is butt ugly. The wood foregrip seems to get real hot after 2 mags (10 round rapid fire). All the plastic ones on Cheaper than Dirt and Midway say they don't fit MAK 90's. Who makes plastic furniture to fit? Want something more of the traditional AK look (plastic or wood) and does the heat hurt the gas rod or any other internal parts? Thanks for any info.

I do not own an AK. I spend a ton of time on the AR so I've never really bothered to research that much. Recently thoug, I've decided to add one this year just to have.

Of all the classes I've been to and the people I've spoken to about it that know what they're doing, including Larry Vickers, the recommendation for a new AK is almost always Arsenal.

I'm not saying the others won't work or be just as good, but from everything I've seen, the Arsenal is one of the best available and is a wise choice. Kind of like a Colt. Sure BCM and Daniel Defense make awesome rifles that are on the same level, but you really can't go wrong with a Colt. At least that's how I look at Arsenal.

Keep in mind, I know ARs and 1911's/Glocks, I am in no way the best person to take advice from on AKs and others here know much more than I do. Good luck.

Proven combat techniques may not be flashy and may require a bit more physical effort on the part of the shooter. Further, they may not win competition matches, but they will help ensure your survival in a shooting or gunfight on the street. ~Paul Howe

As I've stated on here before, I got a WASR 10/63 in Februrary of 2009 (IIRC) for under $400 and after a few thousand rounds, not a single hiccup. As long as the sights aren't canted, the magwell wasn't cut way too wide, and the gas tube is straight, you won't really have any problems. The extra money for nicer AK's goes mostly towards fit and finish. If you can spare the extra money, then by all means go ahead. But if money is on the tight side, a cheap Romanian AK should do just fine for weekend shooting.

I would also recommend anything Norinco if you see it. They aren't imported anymore, but you see them from time to time. They are Chinese made some of the smoothest rifles I have ever handled. I personally have a Norinco SKS and have a Norinco NMH91 (copy of a RPK) on layaway and they are great. Prices vary greatly. The NMH91 was $600, but some Norincos go for over $1,000.

"It is your evil that will be sought by us. With every breath we will hunt them down. Each day we will spill their blood, until it rains down from the skies. Do not kill. Do not rape. Do not steal. These are principles that every man from every faith can embrace." -McManus twins Boondock Saints

"A first rate man with a third rate gun is far better than the other way around". The gun is a tool, you are the craftsman that makes it work. There are those who say "if I had to do it, I could" yet they never go out and train to do it. Don't let stupid be your mindset. Harryball 2013